Ralph Hasenhuttl

#PLStories- Saints youngster Dan Nlundulu says he didn’t have the best six months with Southampton #SAINTSFC

DAN NLUNDULU is hoping a new challenge at Cheltenham Town will help to "build on my confidence" after admitting: "At Lincoln I didn't have the best six months." The Saints youngster joined Michael Appleton's Imps in the summer, on a season-long loan deal. However, after making 21 appearances and scoring just one goal, he had his stay cut short earlier this month. Nlundulu was quickly on the move again, to another League One club in Cheltenham. On his second appearance for the Robins at the weekend, the 22-year-old struck in a 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic. He received a warm ovation from the fans at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium after being withdrawn late on. Speaking after the game, striker Nlundulu said: "It was nice to hear the fans clapping and to feel the love from the fans because at Lincoln I didn’t have the best six months, due to confidence and as a footballer its ups and downs. "Now I’m here at Cheltenham, new system, new manager, new players. It just fits right for me. "I feel like I can express myself and it’s just a great platform to show your ability. I feel like I’m doing that. I just need to keep going and build on my confidence. "Hopefully this is the first (goal) of many." Discussing what he preferred about the system at Cheltenham, Nlundulu said: "Playing two up front. Playing two strikers is so important. "The gaffer said that to me early on. Especially the way I play, the way I link play and bring players into the game, I feel like it’s great. "Playing on your own in League One is very hard. It’s always a fight, a battle. Playing two up front is great and you can see the benefit it has on us. I feel like it’s going to be a good end to the season." Asked if the system at Lincoln played a part on why he struggled to make a big impact, he added: "Yes, in a way. Because as a player, bringing people into play and holding the ball up, I just found it very hard. "I felt like I was on my own at all times. But here I’m receiving it, I’ve got players running off me, I’ve got Alfie (May) right next to me. "We understand each other. I understand them, they understand me. This is only my second game, so let’s see what happens on my 10th game when we’re training and get to know each other even off the pitch, because that helps as well. I’m looking forward to it, I’m excited to see what’s next. "Obviously I’m on loan, wherever my next journey is from here, I don’t know. But if I can help Cheltenham go up, or get in the play-offs, it’s good for the club and obviously good for me."
Dan Nlundulu Southampton

#PLStories- On-loan Saints striker #DanNLundulu aims to impress Lincoln #SAINTSFC #LINCOLNFC

YOUNG Saints striker Dan N'Lundulu has penned a new three-year contract with the Premier League side and says “I’m looking forward to showing Lincoln fans what I can do” during a year-long loan. The 22-year-old has made 16 first team appearances at Saints and scored in the 2-0 FA Cup victory over Shrewsbury in January, although he’s yet to register a league goal. He will now have a season to test himself at League One level, with a side who only narrowly missed out on promotion last campaign. Imps manager Michael Appleton revealed yesterday that he is to undergo surgery for testicular cancer, and will take a leave of absence as the club rallies around and wishes him well. N'Lundulu singled the popular gaffer out for praise, speaking to the club website after the move: "Everyone has been very welcoming and I'm looking forward to getting started, I think the manager can teach me a lot. Read more  Dan N'Lundulu signs new Saints deal, before Lincoln loan No Saints fans will be permitted to attend Cardiff friendly Spurs reportedly 'last Premier League club' Saints would deal with amid Danny Ings links "I am here to develop myself as a striker and hopefully get some game time. The way the team plays is the way I like to play, so I feel like the manager can develop me as a striker. "I try to be positive, I can bring strength and drive with the ball and I'm looking forward to showing Lincoln fans what I can do." N'Lundulu has been with Saints since 2013 and his new deal will see him eclipse ten years with the south coast side. The youngster will be boosted by the faith shown in him from the club, while Lincoln’s director of football, Jez George, insists he was a “top target.” Also to the club site, he added: "Dan has been a top target for us throughout the summer and we're really pleased to be able to add him to the squad. "He will add another element to the attacking options available to Michael and we'd like to thank Southampton for being willing to trust us with the next stage of his development."